Enchanter's-nightshade
Circaea lutetiana
Also listed as Carlostephania major, Circaea erecta
Also known as Common Enchanter's Nightshade, Broadleaf Enchanter's Nightshade
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A delicate woodland perennial with small white flowers and distinctive hook-covered fruits that cling to clothing. Best grown in shaded, moist garden sites where it spreads slowly as a groundcover.
Why grow it
Enchanter's-nightshade offers reliable groundcover performance in deep shade and consistently moist soil where many other perennials struggle. Unlike aggressive woodland spreaders, it advances slowly and predictably, making it suitable for managed shade gardens. Its small white flowers and distinctive hooked fruits provide season-long interest and support native insect populations.
Watch out for
This species prefers consistently moist conditions and may decline or thin out in drier microclimates common to many garden sites. Self-seeding can occur readily in ideal conditions, so periodic seedling removal may be needed if spread is undesired. It can take several seasons to establish a coherent groundcover, requiring patience before full coverage develops.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Onagraceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Europe and Western Asia
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A delicate woodland perennial with small white flowers and distinctive hook-covered fruits that cling to clothing. Best grown in shaded, moist garden sites where it spreads slowly as a groundcover.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Enchanter's-nightshade grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Enchanter's-nightshade offers reliable groundcover performance in deep shade and consistently moist soil where many other perennials struggle. Unlike aggressive woodland spreaders, it advances slowly and predictably, making it suitable for managed shade gardens. Its small white flowers and distinctive hooked fruits provide season-long interest and support native insect populations.
Watch out for
This species prefers consistently moist conditions and may decline or thin out in drier microclimates common to many garden sites. Self-seeding can occur readily in ideal conditions, so periodic seedling removal may be needed if spread is undesired. It can take several seasons to establish a coherent groundcover, requiring patience before full coverage develops.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Onagraceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Europe and Western Asia
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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